What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is a social and public health problem in the U.S. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey says nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men experienced sexual violence victimization other than rape at some point in their lives.
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Sexual violence is a social and public health problem in the U.S. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey says nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men experienced sexual violence victimization other than rape at some point in their lives.
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Thomas Ravenel — a star on Bravo’s reality show “Southern Charm” and South Carolina’s one-time state treasurer — has dodged prison time on sexual assault charges involving a former nanny, court documents show.

Ravenel instead agreed to pay a $500 fine in place of a 30-day sentence after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of third-degree assault and battery, according to a sentencing decision filed in Charleston County Court on Wednesday.

The woman whose accusations sparked the criminal investigation was not present in court during the sentencing, according to lawyers, and Ravenel agreed to the facts of the case.

The victim’s attorney, Ryan Andrews of Cobb, Dill and Hammett law firm, said his client agreed with the plea offer by the solicitor’s office and that she thanks the police and prosecution for their investigation.

According to police reports detailed by The State, the woman from North Carolina was working in Ravenel’s Charlotte Street home in Charleston in 2015 when the alleged events unfolded.

Ravenel reportedly undressed and made sexual advances, including putting her hand on his penis and grabbing her vagina, police said.

Police said her bra’s underwire “cut into her skin and her shirt wrapped around her neck, which caused (the woman) to struggle to breathe” during the assault, The State reported. She escaped and pictures were taken of her injuries.

Shep Rose of Bravo's "Southern Charm" was raised on Hilton Head Island, and says he can't remember ever missing an RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. Here's why the reality star still loves his hometown.

Hayley is a Real Time reporter at The Charlotte Observer covering breaking news and trending stories in the Carolinas. She also created the Observer’s unofficial bird beat (est. 2015) with a summer full of ornithological-related content, including a story about Barred Owls in love.